Finemere Wood is crisp and dry, the brittle brown grass crunching underfoot as the volunteers wend their way along sunbaked rides. Crevasses are opening up in the rock-hard ground. The extreme heat and dearth of rain are challenging for wildlife; flowers wither and struggle to produce nectar, hence less food is available for butterflies and bees. 

A dense carpet of Devil’s-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis) lies parched, leaves limp with little sign of blooms. A late-flowering species, which many invertebrates depend on, it has really taken a blasting this year.

The woodland workers too, are challenged by the elements. Like the wildflowers in the wood, some are more drought-tolerant and heat-hardy than others. It is vital that this species of volunteer is tended to with great care, for where would Finemere be without them?  

And so the sun-loving, heat-tolerant individuals are put to work with brushcutters and scythes out on the open grassy plains, whilst those more temperature-sensitive slip beneath the tree canopy to fix fences and replace waymarker posts. Regular watering and drip-feeding with cake is essential to keep them ticking over.

July, and the elusive, ethereal Purple Emperor is on the wing. This magnificent butterfly is found in small numbers, mainly in old woodlands in central and southern England, and a sighting brings great joy and excitement.  Whilst the purple glossy sheen on the upper wings of the males is striking, the females are deep brown and less flamboyant. 

Flying in the dizzying leafy heights of the woodland canopy, feeding on tree sap and aphid honeydew, they are difficult to spot. But with a weakness for salts found in animal dung and human sweat, they are tempted down to ground level from time to time. 

One lucky worker, with just the right aroma, found himself with three-quarters of a Purple Emperor in his hand. This beautiful beast was spotted a couple of weeks later, clearly managing well with its handicap. Unless, of course, such afflictions are commonplace in Finemere Wood.

Another sweltering day draws to a close. The Purple Emperors retreat to the canopy, while the volunteers retreat to their homes for cold showers and iced drinks. The thirsty woodland waits patiently for rain.

More than 1,700 volunteers help us towards our vision of more nature everywhere, on our nature reserves, at our visitor and education centres, in our offices and more.

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